Seiko Celebrates 145 Years with Four New Watch Releases, Including an Unexpected Vintage Presage

Celebrating its 145th year, Seiko has launched a four-piece limited-edition collection, representing its lingering influence in the horological world. The collection features the signature lines: King Seiko, Prospex, Presage, and Astron, each distinguished by gold-coloured elements and accents reflecting the engraved motifs from Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori’s early pocket watches.

Among the four celebratory pieces, the Presage SPB538 stands out distinctly, embodying Seiko’s original craftsmanship. It harkens back to the 1895 Timekeeper pocket watch and Japan’s inaugural wristwatch, the 1913 Laurel, making it a tribute to the brand’s inception. The timepiece remains faithful to the antique charm of the Presage “Craftsmanship Series”, as displayed in previous enamel dial models.

This release signifies an evolution for the Presage line, featuring centralised seconds for the first time, a shift from the usual sub-dial.

The timepiece, with its 35mm gold-coloured stainless steel case, movable lugs, and onion-style crown, is reminiscent of early 20th-century watches that were modified from pocket models, an inspiration derived from the Laurel. Despite its compact size, its thickness of 12.3mm bestows a reassuring substantiality, that resonates the elegance of a vintage piece, while ensuring modern reliability. The brown leather strap comes from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, reinforcing Seiko’s commitment to quality and ethical sourcing.